2. Deforestation
The clearing of forests and using the land for other purposes is called deforestation.
The causes of deforestation are:
1. Procuring land for cultivation
2. Building houses and factories
3. Using wood as fuel or making furniture etc.
The natural causes of deforestation are forest fires and drought
3. Consequences Of Deforestation
The consequences of deforestation are:
1. Increase in the temperature and pollution level on the earth
2. Increase in the level of carbon dioxide leading to global warming
3. Lowering of ground water level
4. Disturbance in the balance of nature
5. Decrease in rainfall leading to drought
6. Soil erosion and decrease in soil fertility leading to desertification
7. Decrease in the water holding capacity of soil leading to floods
4. Drought
Fewer trees would mean that less amount of carbon dioxide will be used
up resulting in its increased amount in the atmosphere. This will lead to
global warming as carbon dioxide traps the heat rays reflected by the
earth. The increase in the temperature on the earth disturbs the water
cycle and may reduce rainfall. This could cause droughts.
5. Desertification
Removal of top layer of soil exposes the hard and rocky lower layers,
which have very less humus and air. As they are less fertile, soil
becomes like desert. It is termed as desertification.
6. Conservation Of Forest And Wildlife
Forest and wildlife can be conserved by setting up areas like biosphere reserves, wildlife sanctuaries,
national park etc.
1. Biosphere reserves
These are large areas of land protected for conservation of biodiversity and the traditional life of
the tribals living there. These are internationally recognized, nominated by national governments
and remain under sovereign jurisdiction of the states where they are located.
7. Conservation Of Forest And Wildlife
2. National Parks
These are areas reserved for wildlife where they can freely use the habitats and natural
resources.
3. Wildlife Sanctuaries
These are areas where animals are protected from any disturbance to them or their habitat.
8. Flora And Fauna
1. Flora are the plants found in a particular area.
2. Fauna are the animals found in a particular area.
Eg: The flora of Pachmarhi consists of sal, teak, wild mango, jamun etc.
The fauna of Pachmarhi consists of wild dog, cheetal, wolf, leopard etc.
9. Endemic Species
Endemic species are those species of plants and animals found only in a
particular area and not anywhere else.
Eg: Sal and wild mango are endemic flora of pachmarhi. Bison and flying
squirrel are the endemic fauna of this area.
10. Project Tiger
Project Tiger was launched on 1 April 1973 by the government of india. The project
aims at ensuring a viable population of Bengal Tiger in their natural habitats and
also to protect them from extinction and preserving areas of biological importance
as a natural heritage forever represented as close as possible the diversity of
ecosystems across the tigers distribution in the country. The project’s task force
visualised these tiger reserves as breeding nuclei, from which surplus animals would
migrate to adjacent forests.
11. Red Data Book
The book provides a central information source in organising studies
and monitoring programs on rare and endangered species and their
habitats. It is regularly consulted when developing and implementing
special measures for the protection and rehabilitation of such species.
12. Endangered Animals
Endangered animals are those animals whose number are diminishing and might face
extinction.
Eg: Tiger is one of the animals who are slowly diminishing. Dinosaurs have already been
extinct.
13. Ecosystem
An ecosystem consists of all the plants, animals and microorganisms living in
an area along with the non living components like climate, water, soil, river
deltas etc.
14. Migration
Migration is the movement of animals from its own habitat to some
other habitat for a particular time period every year due to climatic
changes or for breeding . Birds which fly very long distances to reach
another land are called migratory birds.
15. Recycling Of Paper
About seventeen full grown trees are required to produce one tonne
of paper. Paper can be recycled about five to seven times for use. We
should save, reuse and recycle paper to save not only trees but also
to save the energy, water and chemicals used to make paper.
16. Reforestation
Reforestation is the restocking of destroyed forests by planting
new trees as we cut. We have already caused a lot of damage to
our forests. If we have to regain our green wealth, reforestation
is the only option.
